Overview
Zero waste starts before recycling. In this challenge, teams build a “useful product” from their existing LEGO pile, then redesign it to reduce material use while keeping the same function. The winner is the team that can explain trade-offs clearly.
Facilitator note: Use this game to reinforce the waste hierarchy: reduce → reuse → recycle. When you do talk about recycling, remind teams: empty/clean/dry and no bagging recyclables.
Learning objectives
- Differentiate reduce, reuse, recycle (and why reduce comes first).
- Design with constraints and justify decisions.
- Measure improvement using simple metrics.
- Practice circular-economy language (repair, reuse, redesign).
Materials
- One LEGO® pile per team + Brickit App (recommended).
- One design prompt (pick one): Lunchbox, Reusable bottle carrier, Bike rack, Package protector.
- Score sheet (paper/whiteboard).
Game flow (30–45 min)
| Phase | Minutes | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Sort + scan | 8 | Sort the pile quickly. Scan with Brickit. Choose a base model idea or inspiration. |
| Build v1 | 10 | Build a “useful product” that meets the prompt’s requirements. |
| Measure v1 | 3 | Count pieces used (or estimate). Define the function test (“holds 3 items”, “stands 10 seconds”, etc.). |
| Redesign v2 | 10 | Redesign to use fewer pieces while passing the same function test. |
| Measure v2 | 3 | Count pieces again and compare. |
| Pitch | 6–11 | Each team gives a 30–60s pitch: what changed, what trade-off, and why it’s “more zero waste”. |
Scoring
- Function (0–3): still works.
- Material reduction (0–3): fewer pieces than v1.
- Explanation (0–3): clear trade-offs and reasoning.
- Reuse mindset (0–1): mentions repair/reuse before recycle.
SDG connection
- SDG 12: reduce material use and waste.
- SDG 13: reducing demand reduces emissions.
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